‘Determined this will not happen again’: Swillhouse’s big move after scandal
Sydney-based restaurant group Swillhouse has vowed it’s “determined” such misconduct “will not happen again”.
A high profile restaurant group has announced it will take “significant steps” to ensure a better business following allegations of sexual misconduct, rampant drug and alcohol misuse and a dangerous work environment.
Sydney-based Swillhouse – which runs six venues across the city – was the subject of multiple exposes published last month by The Sydney Morning Herald, leading to industry-wide fallout.
The reports featured claims the hospitality group had discriminated against women at the company, ousted female staff after they reported sexual assault, and encouraged employees to have sex with patrons and use drugs on duty.
CEO Anton Forte apologised following the coverage, and Safe Work NSW has since launched a probe into Swillhouse’s operations and alleged misconduct across the wider industry.
After posting a video statement to Instagram last week, the group sent an email titled “A Better Swillhouse”, outlining its “deep regret” over the alleged incidents and how it intends to improve.
“We started Swillhouse with integrity and passion, but we messed up along the way, and we’re deeply sorry,” the email read.
“We are determined this will not happen again.”
In the wake of the scandal, former CEO of hospitality group Solotel, Justine Baker, has joined the Swillhouse team as a strategic advisor.
Ms Baker, an industry veteran, “will have a broad remit to review our entire business operations and structure”, a Swillhouse spokesperson told Broadsheet.
“She will work with the executive team to implement any necessary changes with a view to rebuilding confidence and trust in Swillhouse.”
The Swillhouse group’s human resources manager, Hope Dawson, has also been promoted to head of human resources, and joined its executive leadership team.
“Her promotion reflects her experience and invaluable contribution to the business over a number of years,” the spokesperson said.
“(And it’s) part of our commitment to build a better Swillhouse, including through a stronger, more diverse leadership team.”
The group has also hired a consultants in “culture and transformation” (Lorraine Farah) and workplace health and safety (Gareth O’Keefe), demonstrating “our absolute commitment to learn from past mistakes and change the way we operate”.
On Instagram, Mr Forte said it was “heartbreaking to know that people were unsupported, unheard and let down”, adding he was “deeply sorry for that”.
“The allegations against us are far reaching, and they reflect a period of time where our business wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now – but we don’t take them lightly, and we respect people’s experiences and their need to share their stories publicly,” he said.
“We’ve heard you, we’re listening, and we are accountable.”
The Swillhouse spokesperson said the group is “fully co-operating” with Safe Work’s investigation.